Community outreach is central to PEʻA Inc.’s mission to increase college-going rates among Pacific Islanders as a pathway to reducing poverty and expanding access to careers that provide a living wage. Through intentional and targeted outreach, PEʻA engages youth, parents, and community leaders to build awareness, strengthen college readiness, and support informed decision-making about higher education and career pathways.

PEʻA’s outreach efforts include community workshops, school-based engagement, family education sessions, and strategic partnerships with local organizations. These activities are designed to produce measurable outcomes such as increased college applications and enrollment, improved persistence and retention, and stronger family and community support for postsecondary education. PEʻA tracks participation, engagement, and key educational milestones to assess impact, ensure accountability, and continuously improve its programming.

This section highlights the collective outreach work of PEʻA staff, board members, and volunteers, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing educational equity for Pacific Islander communities across Hawaiʻi. Established in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, PEʻA’s founding demonstrates resilience, courage, and responsive leadership in addressing urgent educational and economic disparities during a time of crisis.

Lasting impact requires shared responsibility. Meaningful progress is achieved when state legislators, college leaders, community leaders, church leaders, families, parents, and youth are informed, engaged, and actively supporting PEʻA’s work—alongside other community-based organizations committed to empowering Pacific Islanders through education, workforce pathways, and economic mobility. By strengthening community awareness and participation, PEʻA contributes to long-term outcomes that include higher educational attainment, greater access to living-wage careers, and improved economic stability for Pacific Islander families.